Spiritually Fit: A Fitness Program You Can Have Fun In
This book marks a series of firsts in the nearly nine years
I have been associated with Good News, Etc. and the over 90 books I have reviewed
in these pages. It all started when I opened my e -mail one morning recently
to find a note from the publisher announcing that the book to be reviewed
for this month's column was "attached." I immediately looked under my computer,
but, alas, it wasn't there. Then, being the computer literate person I am,
I looked elsewhere, found the "download" button and proceeded. What I found
when I opened the Microsoft file was a fascinating first look at the world
of "E-Books." This is, indeed, the first book that I have read from beginning
to end (I almost said "cover to cover," but that seemed inappropriate, somehow)
from a computer screen. At first going from page to page by clicking on the
mouse was a bit strange, but it soon became quite comfortable although I continued
to miss the tactile "comfort" for holding a book in my hands. I guess old
habits die hard. At any rate, I was quickly drawn in by the story, which is
easily and sincerely told by a man who has been seen by millions of people.
Bartram, who lives in Escondido with his wife, has become one of the most
recognized and trusted fitness personalities in America. His incredible physique
is one of the most photographed in the world, placing him on the cover of
virtually every major fitness publication. As opposed to competitive body
builders who train for specific events, Clark must keep his body in top performance
shape year-round in order to meet the demand for print publications and videos.
Although his physical appearance is impressive, he is also an ardent student
of the fitness industry. His fitness outlook mirrors the ever-changing fitness
world. Clark's personalized programs and products can help you reach your
potential. Clark has spent the last decade committed to the fitness industry.
Details can be seen on his web page, www.clarkbartram.com. In addition, Bartram
has traveled extensively with high profile ministries such as The Power Team,
BGEA, Chuck Colson's Prison Fellowship as either an emcee or associate evangelist.
"I find that everywhere I travel, everyone seems to ask,, "How can I get in
better shape?" says Bartram. How the worlds of bodybuilding and evangelism
came together in his life is the subject of a full chapter in his book. It's
really Bartram's testimony and is almost guaranteed to bring a tear to your
eye. For this chapter alone I would recommend this book as a good read for
everyone. The rest of the book is actually more than just one book. It's a
compilation of training manuals designed to show the reader how to achieve
total fitness of mind, spirit and body. In so doing, you will find as you
read through such chapters as, "Going to the Gym is like Going to Church"
and "God's Nutrition Plan for a Lean Healthy Body," that you have a diet plan
as well as an exercise plan in front of you. Bartram ties all of this together
by adding well known motivational expert Robert MacPhee's Health and Happiness
Mind Exercises and even has a chapter of Inspiring Testimonies from Christians
Living the Lifestyle. Bartram acknowledges some people may question how a
Christian can be in the fitness and modeling industry, but he points out that
believers are needed in all walks of life and that's where God has placed
him. No doubt, ghe's a born again Christian through and through. As to how
you can secure this book, check out the author's advertisement in this issue.